Creaking or Popping Noise from Front of Vehicle – 1995-1999 Lincoln Continental

BRAKES – “CREAKING” AND/OR “POPPING” NOISE COMING FROM FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE WHILE TURNING OR BRAKING – VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/15/1998 NOISE – “CREAKING” AND/OR “POPPING” NOISE COMING FROM FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE WHILE TURNING OR BRAKING – VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/15/1998

 

LINCOLN-MERCURY:

1995-1999 CONTINENTAL

 

A “creaking” or “popping” noise may be heard from the front end (passenger side) when turning or braking on some vehicles.

 

This may be caused by a sheet metal flange on the front frame rail reinforcement coming in contact with the upper floorboard.

 

ACTION:

Bend the sheet metal flange so the contact is eliminated. This should reduce the possibility of noise.

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Turn off the air suspension switch located in the left rear (driver’s side) of the trunk.
2. Raise the vehicle and remove the right front tire/wheel.
3. Remove the five (5) push pins which attach the inner fender liner to the wheelwell:
   1. (1) at the top of the liner
   2. (2) at the front lower edge at the bumper fascia
   3. (2) near the frame rails
4. Remove only the lower phillips head screw at the rear of the wheel well. The upper phillips screw is used to attach the bodyside moulding and does not retain the liner.
5. Remove the fender liner.

CAUTION: THE 1999 CONTINENTAL IS EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG SINGLE POINT SENSOR LOCATED ON THE TRANSMISSION HUMP. IF ANY BANGING OR HAMMERING TO UNDERBODY COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE FRAME RAIL OR FLOORPAN IS NECESSARY OR IF USING AIR IMPACT TOOLS, THE BATTERY MUST FIRST BE DISCONNECTED.

• Carefully inspect the flange on the frame rail reinforcement. (Refer to Figure 1 ). If it is in contact with the floorboard, use a pry bar to carefully bend the flange away from the floorboard to eliminate the contact.
• Reinstall the fender liner and the tire/wheel.
• Lower the vehicle.
• Turn on the air suspension switch in the trunk.

Figure 1